S.O.D. "The Harder They Come" by Jimmy Cliff

5/6/2016     This 1972 reggae song was written, produced and is performed by Jimmy Cliff.  It is from the 1972 movie soundtrack of the same name.  A total of 16 artists released versions with the most notable by Joe Jackson in 1980, Rockers Revenge in 1983 and Madness in 1992.  Willie Nelson, Cher and Keith Richards also did their own take.  Rolling Stone ranked it at #350 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.  

     Cliff is a Jamaican vocalist and multi instrumentalist who has been active since 1962.  He has released 31 studio albums, springing 91 singles, some being covers, with 17 in the Top 40.  His latest album "Rebirth", released in 2012, was ranked #1 on the U.S. Reggae charts and was nominated for a Grammy.  Due to this album, Cliff was named artist of the year by the Caribbean Journal, at age 64.